11/13/2013 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board November 13, 2013 Page 5 APPROVED MINUTES Sharon G ervais, 890 Old Birch St, stated concerns with speed of traffic and increased traffic. She stated that there needs to be a speed limit sign o n Old Birch Street as drivers go faster than the speed limit. She said that traffic needs to slow down. She is not in favor of the proposed development. Jason Wedel, City Engineer, acknowledge d that there needs to be further analysis of traffic on Old B irch Street. Th e city will continue to work with Anoka County to analyze site distance and traffic safety for accessing Old Birch Street. The issue is not resolved and will be further addressed. The city will continue to review the best options for the n orth/s outh section of Old Birch St. Staff will bring back considerations for the board to review at a future meeting. Chair Tralle addressed the concerns of the residents , including: • T he city posted signs alerting residents of the future connection of Fox Road • I nterconnection o f neighborhoods is necessary for eme rgency vehicle access • This area is able to develop now due to access to utilities that were not available in the past • The board will do their best to address traffic concerns • An installation of a speed limit sign on Old Birch Street should be feasib le • The board is working in favor of the residents and will strive to achieve the best possible outcome for everyone • The engineering report is typical of any development • Staff will make the engineering report accessible to the public via the city website Linda Dawson said that the connection of Fox Road was being proposed sooner than she was expecting. She asked about potential development of neighboring properties. Staff addressed the neighboring p roperties as shown on the public hearing notice and explained areas of wetland s and area s for potential future development. Ms. Dawson was concern ed with the amount of money that goes into developments. She a ppreciates the conservation wetland developmen ts. She stated issues with taxpayers paying for road improvements. M ichael Grochala , Community Development Director, clarified that the d eveloper will be paying for 100% of the costs of the improvements on this project. The developer would pay for all n ew roads and utilities for this development. The developer would pay a park dedication fee per lot, of which the city would credit back for any park improvements such as trails . Any improvements to Old Birch Street necessitated by this development would be the responsibility of the developer , such as disturbances due to utility extension. Mr. Grochala reiterated that no assessments are being proposed to any of the properties abutting th is project. Staff explained how the trunk area fee is collecte d by t he city.